Running with "The Rocket" Rick Rodriguez

Avenue of the Giants Half-Marthon May 2, 2010

By Rick Rodriguez

I'm really looking forward to this weekend's run in Humboldt Redwoods State Park!  I've never been up to this area but everyone I've talked to says its really beautiful.  Unfortunately, I won't have much time to sightsee up there as a friend is getting married Saturday and after the wedding I'll head up to rural Northern California for the run.  The run is Sunday morning then I'll drive back down home.

Here's the run described by the organizer's in the website "The Ave has been called by no less of an authority than RUNNERS WORLD MAGAZINE one of the most beautiful courses in the country.  The Marathon is a double out and back, as the course profile indicates; while the Half Marathon is a single out and back. Both start just beyond the Dyerville Bridge on Bull Creek Road and proceed 6.5 miles to the first turn around. The first mile is relatively flat, and within half a mile of the start, you will be running under a canopy of beautiful Redwoods. After the first mile, there are some sharp curves and fairly short hills. There is an open space and a sweeping curve at about the 4/9 mile mark. Then for the next mile or so, you enter arguably the most beautiful part of the course. The giant Redwoods close to the road look as though they were painted on a large canvass, the way they are perfectly arranged. At about five and a half miles, just beyond the Albee Creek Campground, you will enter an opening that continues to the first turn around. Don't worry about heat, however, for the temperature is usually still cool and part of the road is still shaded. The last mile plus is a gradual uphill with few curves. Turn around here, and retrace your steps. There are aid stations at 2, 4+ and 6+ miles: and of course they will be there on your return trip. Half marathoners will proceed to the finish line; while Marathoners will turn right onto The Avenue of the Giants. The second out and and back is mostly shaded, and has only one significant hill, as you travel through Weott at just beyond the 15 mile mark going out or the 23 mile mark coming back. There is what appears to be a steep hill near the 14/25 mile mark, but it is mostly an optical illusion. It's actually a bridge over the freeway. There are three and sometimes four aid stations, depending on the weather, along this out and back, so there will be plenty of refreshment for all. The area near Weott is open for about half a mile and the road is heavily cambered, so be careful how you attack this section of the course. The 10K starts on the Avenue of the Giants, about ten minutes after the Marathon and Half; goes down the Avenue for 3.1 miles and then returns; thus giving 10K folks the fun of the real hill, and the scary bridge. Some time before or after the race, be sure to check out The Founders Tree and the Dyerville Giant, on a short trail circling Founders Grove, about 100 yards down the Avenue from the Dyerville Bridge. Run wisely, enjoy the natural beauty of the area, and here's hoping you have a great time as a runner, spectator, or race volunteer."

So looking forward to marvelous Sunday morning run! 

Redwood Peak Trail Run Oakland, California April 18, 2010

By Rick Rodriguez

 
I discovered what I've been missing all these years in the Oakland Hills last Sunday!  More beautiful trails to run!  I knew they were up there but for some reason or another I seemed content scouring the trails of East Bay Regional Parks, Mount Diablo, and Mount Tamalpais.  What could I possibly find up there that I couldn't find next door at Lake Chabot?  How about majestic Redwoods closer than Muir Woods for starters! And, cool damp trails without having to drive to the coast to find a covered canopy that Redwoods provide.  But, I think what I enjoyed the most was the proximity to my casa!  It's kind of nice not having to get up so early in the AM for some trek to the far reaches of the Bay Area!

Unfortunately, the proximity cost me this time and for the 1st time in my running career--I missed the start!  Yes, I was late to the run and while that wasn't such a big deal a few wrong turns made a scheduled 17k just a twinge longer; in fact, I could only guesstimate adding an additional few miles!  I really had no idea how far I was off course and headed off twice in the wrong direction before reasoning that I had missed a turn!  Thankfully, the spring day made it a pleasure to be up in Redwood park and the adjacent Roberts Recreation area.

So, instead of a hard tough run,  I cruised and enjoyed my 1st time up there and I'll certainly return sooner, perhaps tomorrow morning!  Early on my wind was tested but the trail flattened a bit and then went back up for a long climb.  Tomorrow might be a great day to head back to Oakland for another attempt to find the right trail.  This time I'll take a map!  Anybody up for a run? 

Redwood Peak Trail Run April 18, 2010

By Rick Rodriguez

Finally committed to my next trail run this Sunday in Oakland!  It will be my 1st time up in Redwood Park and I'm looking forward to the experience.  Training has been off of late but I'll be ready for the unexpected and the hills of the Redwood Park.  Below is the elevation chart and the Race director's brief description on what to expect.

17k– This course has a little bit for everyone. The first two miles are on fire road slowly descending into the canyon. Right around Mile 2, you'll do a sharp left and descend via singletrack. After crossing the creek, you'll hit the first aid station (water, gatorade, GU, Clif Bars) just in time for a quick climb up to the East Ridge Trail. Runners will cruise on East Ridge Trail for two miles and then do a quick descent back into the canyon. Once in the canyon, it's a right turn and a nice climb up to the aid station at the Skyline Gate. After that, runners descend into the Redwood Forest. Make sure you look around a breathe in the majestic views. And don't forget to save some strength for this last climb - it's a doozy! Be prepared and check out the course maps on www.trailrace.com. The 15k course will be WELL marked with RED ARROWS and FLOUR. But as always, check out the course maps.

The Spirit of the Marathon by Gail Kislevitz

By Rick Rodriguez

Luck wasn't on my side and I didn't get into the NEW YORK CITY MARATHON!  So, now my only option is running for charity.  Any ideas which charity?  Suggestions?  I need some motivation!  Perhaps, I can find some in the book below.

8/27/2008

I'm a runner!  So, it's easy for me to like a book about marathons.  I bought this book some time ago, and read a bit and put it down.  Another book, and another half-hearted attempt at finishing it.  But alas, I did finish it (today), and it provided me what I needed--a boost!  I'm reinvigorated!  Am I ready to challenge the marathon again?  Perhaps, but before I make that awesome commitment let me share with you a few thoughts on this book, briefly.

I recommend it for the 1st time Marathon runner, and those of you that want to learn a bit about why people put themselves through such a grueling experience.  The book offers this by describing the experiences of runners in brief essay format.  The good thing about the book is it provides a broad spectrum of runners retelling their stories, not just elite athletes.  So, much can be gained by learning about the marathon, and deciding whether you are up for the challenge!

Spirit of the Marathon (2003) "People have it too easy in today's world.  They don't know what it's like to work really hard and make sacrifices.  That's why everyone thinks I am so amazing to be running at my age.  Heck, anyone can do it if they want it bad enough.  I was never given anything in this world.  I've had to fight for everything I ever had, including the marathon.  It all boils down to hard work and a bit of luck.  That's what makes the difference.  I plan to keep running marathons until I can't walk.  When I finish a race I am the happiest man in the world."  Abraham Weintraub 92 years of age.  Ran 1st marathon at age 80!

The Spirit of the Marathon is 269 pages.  I read it in August of 2008.